A match featuring a lightning storm delay sees BYU men's soccer team earn a 7-1 win against Boise State

A stormy night turned into a 7-1 home victory for BYU men's soccer against Boise State Saturday.

The Cougars started out strong with a pass in to Brayden Gonder who chipped the ball over the Boise State defense, straight into the goal, scoring the first game of the night.

Just a few minutes later, BYU took a corner shot that was passed into Kyle Walbruch whose header shot hit the post, ricocheting into the path of Nick Sharp who converted it to his first goal for BYU at the 17th minute.

With momentum building for the Cougars, their strong passing and possession continued. After quick passes down the middle, James Dunning scored the third goal for the team from outside the box.

Photo by Logan Wride

After a tough 25 minutes for Boise State, the whistle was blown for their player who became ill on the field and had to substitute out.

An initial pass in by Ryan Tetro was made to Gonder who weaved around the Boise State defense, took a shot to the left side of the goal, furthering BYU’s lead 4-0 at the 28^th minute.

A minor setback came for the Cougars after Aaron Jolley’s goal was called off sides by the referees.

With Boise State forced to play defensive, its goalie had an initial save from a shot on goal but with the ball out of his hands, Collin Jones put it in the back side of the net with minutes to spare in the first half.

Photo by Kristen Kelly

As soon as halftime finished, dark clouds had made their way to South Field, brining a downpour of rain with it. The second half was started despite the rain but after a couple minutes, lightning lit up the entire sky, causing a delay.

It was decided about 15 minutes into the delay, and after more lightning, the game was moved to BYU’s Indoor Practice Facility.

Photo by Logan Wride

BYU came out strong by pressing the Boise State team further, causing its goalie to have two saves in the first 10 minutes.

The Cougar coach, Brandon Gilliam, decided to substitute out the majority of the team after the Cougars' lead continued.

Sadly for Boise State, the sixth goal for the match was an own goal after Max Magleby's cross, making the score 6-0.

Photo by Logan Wride

The next move was made by Boise State, which substituted out their goalie for a new one, which proved beneficial for them when he saved multiple shots attempted by the Cougars.

The end of the match was filled with chaos after Colten Rouse, who had been substituted in the second half, scored a clean goal with six minutes to spare after dodging the defense. Boise State followed after with a shot on goal, which gave the team its first goal of the match.

BYU finished the game with possession but was ultimately halted when Carson Karras was tackled by number 18 on the opposing team who received a yellow card for the attack. The Cougars ended strong with a win of 7-1.

BYU hosts Utah State on Friday at 7 p.m. on South Field.